Miscarriage death sparks Irish abortion debate

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A woman aged 31 who was having a miscarriage died from blood poisoning after
an Irish hospital refused her an abortion because the foetus still had a
heartbeat.

The death of Savita Halappanavar has prompted calls for reform of the Republic
of Ireland’s uncompromising law on abortion, which is banned in almost all
circumstances.

Last night streets surrounding the Irish parliament were shut down and traffic
ground to a halt during the rush-hour as about 2,000 demonstrators staged a
spontaneous protest. There were also protests at the Irish Embassy in
London.